Brad Peterson Returns As Associate AD/Football Administration
January 04, 2023 | Football
STARKVILLE – Brad Peterson, one of the most successful and respected high school coaches and college football staffers in the state of Mississippi, has been named Mississippi State's new Associate AD for Football Administration, head coach Zach Arnett announced Wednesday.
No stranger to Mississippi State, Peterson returns for his second stint in Starkville after previously serving as the Bulldogs' Director of High School Relations from 2016-20. In his new role, he will oversee the football program's day-to-day operations and serve as a liaison to the athletic department.
"We are fired up to welcome Brad back to his alma mater where he belongs," Arnett said. "Brad embodies Mississippi State and is second to none when it comes to understanding the football landscape inside our great state. He is a native Mississippian who is among the most respected individuals in the profession with long list of distinguished accomplishments through his career."
A native of Louisville, Mississippi, Peterson earned his undergraduate degree in physical education from Mississippi State in 1996 and later received a master's degree in sports administration in 2000.
"I am extremely grateful to Coach Arnett for this opportunity," Peterson said. "Mississippi State means so much to me and my family. It's a tremendous honor be back home and help make an impact on this program by building on its strong foundation and continuing its momentum into the future."
In 2016, Peterson joined State's staff after compiling a 148-70-1 record in 17 years as a high school coach. A two-time Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 3A Coach of the Year and the 2012 Class 6A Coach of the Year, Peterson drastically improved each program he oversaw.
Peterson spent 2015 as the head football coach and athletic director at Madison Central, guiding the Jaguars to an appearance in the MHSAA Class 6A semifinals and increasing attendance. A year prior to his arrival, Madison Central failed to make the playoffs.
From 2010-14, Peterson was instrumental in establishing Brandon High School as one of the state's premier programs. He compiled a 50-18 record, including three straight 10-win seasons from 2012-14. Brandon had its best season ever under Peterson's leadership, reaching the Class 6A state championship game in 2012 and posting a 12-3 record. Peterson also served as the school's athletic director during his tenure.
Peterson took over at Louisville High School in 2005 as athletic director and head coach. He revamped the program and led the Wildcats to back-to-back state championships in 2007 and 2008. During his tenure from 2005-09, he was twice named Class 3A Coach of the Year.
Prior to his stint at Louisville, Peterson served as the athletic director and head football coach at Forest High School from 2003-04. He inherited a program that was 6-16 in the two previous seasons, and in his two years, the Bearcats combined for a 21-4-1 record, including five straight weeks ranked No. 1 in the Class 3A polls in 2004.
Peterson got his head coaching start at Newton High School. He was named the school's athletic director and head football coach in 2003. He made an immediate impact, improving facilities and establishing golf and softball teams. On the gridiron, Newton claimed region championships in his final two seasons of 2002 and 2003.
Peterson has held many distinguished roles in his career, serving as football chairman of the Mississippi Association of Coaches from 2010-13 and twice coaching in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. In 2004, he represented the state at the NFL's Youth Football Summit.
Peterson has three children and is married to Lindley Peterson.
No stranger to Mississippi State, Peterson returns for his second stint in Starkville after previously serving as the Bulldogs' Director of High School Relations from 2016-20. In his new role, he will oversee the football program's day-to-day operations and serve as a liaison to the athletic department.
"We are fired up to welcome Brad back to his alma mater where he belongs," Arnett said. "Brad embodies Mississippi State and is second to none when it comes to understanding the football landscape inside our great state. He is a native Mississippian who is among the most respected individuals in the profession with long list of distinguished accomplishments through his career."
A native of Louisville, Mississippi, Peterson earned his undergraduate degree in physical education from Mississippi State in 1996 and later received a master's degree in sports administration in 2000.
"I am extremely grateful to Coach Arnett for this opportunity," Peterson said. "Mississippi State means so much to me and my family. It's a tremendous honor be back home and help make an impact on this program by building on its strong foundation and continuing its momentum into the future."
In 2016, Peterson joined State's staff after compiling a 148-70-1 record in 17 years as a high school coach. A two-time Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 3A Coach of the Year and the 2012 Class 6A Coach of the Year, Peterson drastically improved each program he oversaw.
Peterson spent 2015 as the head football coach and athletic director at Madison Central, guiding the Jaguars to an appearance in the MHSAA Class 6A semifinals and increasing attendance. A year prior to his arrival, Madison Central failed to make the playoffs.
From 2010-14, Peterson was instrumental in establishing Brandon High School as one of the state's premier programs. He compiled a 50-18 record, including three straight 10-win seasons from 2012-14. Brandon had its best season ever under Peterson's leadership, reaching the Class 6A state championship game in 2012 and posting a 12-3 record. Peterson also served as the school's athletic director during his tenure.
Peterson took over at Louisville High School in 2005 as athletic director and head coach. He revamped the program and led the Wildcats to back-to-back state championships in 2007 and 2008. During his tenure from 2005-09, he was twice named Class 3A Coach of the Year.
Prior to his stint at Louisville, Peterson served as the athletic director and head football coach at Forest High School from 2003-04. He inherited a program that was 6-16 in the two previous seasons, and in his two years, the Bearcats combined for a 21-4-1 record, including five straight weeks ranked No. 1 in the Class 3A polls in 2004.
Peterson got his head coaching start at Newton High School. He was named the school's athletic director and head football coach in 2003. He made an immediate impact, improving facilities and establishing golf and softball teams. On the gridiron, Newton claimed region championships in his final two seasons of 2002 and 2003.
Peterson has held many distinguished roles in his career, serving as football chairman of the Mississippi Association of Coaches from 2010-13 and twice coaching in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. In 2004, he represented the state at the NFL's Youth Football Summit.
Peterson has three children and is married to Lindley Peterson.